STENNIS, Ms. – Most Americans rely on weather forecasts to plan their daily routine. The U.S. Navy is no different. With numerous ships, submarines and airplanes deployed around the world, sailors and civilians serving with the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, advise Navy leaders about the impact of ocean and atmospheric conditions on future operations.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heidi Cheek |
Lt. Tori Moffitt, a 1994 Springtown High School graduate and native of Springtown, Texas, is one of those responsible for providing timely, comprehensive and tactically relevant information for ships, submarines, aircraft and other commands operating throughout the globe.
As an anti-terrorism force protection officer and facilities manager, Moffitt is responsible for keeping the staff of the headquarters safe while they do their work.
Moffitt credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Springtown.
“It's a very small town, and it pays to know who other people are,” said Moffitt. "In the Navy having relationships is crucial to getting the job done. I learned the importance of networking growing up in Springtown, and that helped me during my career in the Navy."
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Naval Oceanography defines and applies the physical environment for the entire Navy fleet from the bottom of the ocean to the stars,” said Rear Adm. John Okon, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. “There isn't a plane that flies, a ship or a submarine that gets underway without the sailors and civilians of Naval Oceanography.”
Moffitt is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways to earn distinction in a command, community and career, Moffitt is most proud of being chosen to serve on the Joint Presidential Weather Support Unit in 2005-2008.
“I had to be the best I could be in my craft and pass multiple interviews to make sure I was a good fit for the weather team at the time,” said Moffitt.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Moffitt, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Moffitt is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfathers were both in the Army,” said Moffitt. "Also, my brother and I joined the Navy at the same time. He served as a damage controlman aboard a destroyer."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Moffitt and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving in the Navy is a great opportunity to protect my country,” said Moffitt. "The Navy has been my life for 25 years and it's a great way of life for me. Weather is my passion, so I love teaching sailors every aspect of our job. I'm fortunate to be here to pass along what I've learned and experienced during my career."
As an anti-terrorism force protection officer and facilities manager, Moffitt is responsible for keeping the staff of the headquarters safe while they do their work.
Moffitt credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Springtown.
“It's a very small town, and it pays to know who other people are,” said Moffitt. "In the Navy having relationships is crucial to getting the job done. I learned the importance of networking growing up in Springtown, and that helped me during my career in the Navy."
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Naval Oceanography defines and applies the physical environment for the entire Navy fleet from the bottom of the ocean to the stars,” said Rear Adm. John Okon, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. “There isn't a plane that flies, a ship or a submarine that gets underway without the sailors and civilians of Naval Oceanography.”
Moffitt is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways to earn distinction in a command, community and career, Moffitt is most proud of being chosen to serve on the Joint Presidential Weather Support Unit in 2005-2008.
“I had to be the best I could be in my craft and pass multiple interviews to make sure I was a good fit for the weather team at the time,” said Moffitt.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Moffitt, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Moffitt is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfathers were both in the Army,” said Moffitt. "Also, my brother and I joined the Navy at the same time. He served as a damage controlman aboard a destroyer."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Moffitt and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving in the Navy is a great opportunity to protect my country,” said Moffitt. "The Navy has been my life for 25 years and it's a great way of life for me. Weather is my passion, so I love teaching sailors every aspect of our job. I'm fortunate to be here to pass along what I've learned and experienced during my career."